AUSTIN – After decades of growing incarceration rates and public spending on criminal justice, policymakers have begun holistically addressing the many interconnected parts of the criminal justice system. To discuss the criminal justice system and identify best practices, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice will host the panel “Right-Sizing an Overgrown Criminal Justice System” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 11:00 am CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Salon K.

“With Texas continuing to receive national acclaim for reducing both crime and adult incarceration by more than 10% since 2005, this panel will help identify the next steps policymakers can take to further benefit public safety and Texas taxpayers,” said Marc Levin, director of the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “The panel will also address additional improvements to Texas’ juvenile justice system, which has two-thirds fewer youths in state custody than just a decade ago. Given that there are many interim charges dealing with critical issues ranging from reforming Texas’ county jails and pretrial processes to revising drug sentencing laws, this discussion will provide a timely preview of key priorities lawmakers will address in the upcoming session.”
 
Panelists include:

  • Senator John Whitmire, Texas State Senate
  • Representative James White, Texas House of Representatives
  • Devon Anderson, Harris County District Attorney
  • Zoe Towns, Pew Charitable Trusts
  • Marc Levin, Director, Center for Effective Justice & Right on Crime, Texas Public Policy Foundation (Moderator) 

For over thirteen years, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Policy Orientation has been one of the nation’s top policy conferences, selling out each year while bringing together lawmakers, policy experts, and engaged citizens from across the political spectrum to discuss critical issues facing the Lone Star State and America. This year’s program includes more than 35 panel discussions and debates on the major issues affecting Texas’ future. 
 
Members of the public and media who wish to attend may register and view the agenda at: www.PolicyOrientation.com
 
Keynote and plenary sessions will be livestreamed at: txpo.li/TPPFlive